Go with granite for fresh, durable appeal

For most people, remodeling a kitchen includes a complete change of cabinets and countertops, maybe even appliances. If your cabinets are still in good condition but you want to improve your kitchen in some way, replacing your old countertop with one made of granite is a great choice. It is a good investment and will definitely change the atmosphere of your space.

Granite has a high tolerance to hot and cold temperatures. You can safely place hot metal pans from your oven directly on the granite top without the need for a hot pad. Although, you will have to be wary of placing hot glass or ceramic dishes on it, as they may crack if the counter top is too cold. This is called thermal shock and happens because of the difference in temperature.

As for cold items, you do not need to worry about condensation that may make your granite countertop have a dark spot if it is not properly sealed. Any condensation that may form on the stone will fade away in an hour.

Granite countertops may be used as a cutting board too. Because the hardness of granite is greater than steel, you do not need to worry about kitchen knives scratching your granite surface. Although, it is not recommended to always cut on your granite countertop as it will actually make your knife dull over time.

Another way to add to your kitchen or other rooms is to create a stand-alone island with cabinets as the base. It will be a great place to sit, eat, work, study or hang out.

Along with brand new cabinets and counter tops, there are other ways to improve your kitchen to be more functional and last longer. Pull-out drawers are a great add-on for existing kitchen cabinets. With metal ball-bearing tracks and solid-wood dovetail drawers, you will never again need to worry about hard-to-reach items in the back.